Forza Horizon 5 is listed for Windows 10/11, and the official Xbox page says it is included with Game Pass for PC. You can also get the Windows PC version through Steam. Check the current listing and plan terms for your country; a subscription route is not the same as permanent free ownership.
This guide explains the official ways to access and install the game on Windows 11, what your PC needs, and how to choose between the Xbox and Steam routes.
Is Forza Horizon 5 free on Windows 11?
The Xbox product page currently says, “Forza Horizon 5 is included with Game Pass to play on PC.” Availability and subscription terms can vary by country and change, so check the live Xbox listing for your region. Steam also offers a Windows PC listing.
These are the two PC routes supported by the sources reviewed:
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| Route | What to check | Account and setup |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox / Game Pass for PC | Whether the game and the relevant plan are available in your country, and whether your subscription is active | Use the Xbox app for PC and the Microsoft account with the entitlement |
| Steam | Regional price and availability on the Steam listing | Install through Steam; a Microsoft/Xbox account is required |
Use the official Xbox or Steam listing rather than third-party “free download” sites, repacks, torrents, or cracked installers.
Method 1: Play through Xbox Game Pass for PC
The Xbox page lists Forza Horizon 5 as included with Game Pass for PC. Check the current terms and availability for your country before subscribing or trying to install it.
- Open the official Forza Horizon 5 Xbox listing and check the options shown for your region.
- Make sure your account has the required active Game Pass access.
- On Windows 11, open the Xbox app. If needed, find and install the app through Microsoft Store.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your Game Pass access.
- Search for Forza Horizon 5 in the Xbox app, open its game page, and choose the available install option.
- Select an installation drive with enough free space and let the app complete the download.
A download or install control does not by itself confirm that your account has access. Check the account and the live regional listing if the app prompts you to obtain access.
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Method 2: Install the Steam version
Steam has a separate Windows PC listing for Forza Horizon 5. Check its current regional price and availability; a Game Pass subscription should not be assumed to provide the Steam product.
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- Open the official Forza Horizon 5 Steam page in a browser or the Steam client.
- Review the listing and purchase the game through Steam if you want this version and do not already have access to it there.
- In Steam, open Library, select Forza Horizon 5, and choose Install.
- When prompted, sign in with or create a Microsoft/Xbox account and link it as required.
Steam lists a Microsoft/Xbox account as required. Account linking does not mean that a subscription or purchase from another storefront grants the Steam product.
Install or find a game through Microsoft Store
Microsoft Support explains how to find and download trusted apps and games through Microsoft Store on Windows. If you use the Microsoft route, open the Store, find the official game listing, and follow the controls it offers for your account. Check the Xbox listing for current Game Pass access and country-specific terms.
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- Open Microsoft Store in Windows 11.
- Search for Forza Horizon 5 and select the official game listing.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account you use for the Xbox route.
- Follow the purchase or install option shown for your account.
If the Store asks you to obtain the game, check that you are signed into the account with the relevant access and review the live Xbox listing. Do not use activation tools or unofficial installers to bypass access checks.
Windows 11 system requirements
Steam lists the following PC requirements. Xbox identifies Windows 10/11 as supported platforms; Steam’s requirements specify Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher and do not separately list a Windows 11 version requirement. Recheck the current listing before installing, as requirements can change.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher | 64-bit Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher |
| Processor | Intel i5-4460 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | Intel i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 970, AMD RX 470, or Intel Arc A380 | NVIDIA GTX 1070, AMD RX 590, or Intel Arc A750 |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Network | Broadband internet | Broadband internet |
| Storage | 110 GB available space | 110 GB available space |
Source: Steam listing, accessed 2026-10-07. The 110 GB storage figure and memory requirements are product requirements published by Steam, not independent performance measurements.
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Why can’t I install the game?
Check the account and access route
For the Xbox route, confirm that the Microsoft account in the Xbox app is the one with the relevant Game Pass access, and check the current regional listing. For Steam, use the Steam account that has access to the Steam product. The two storefronts are separate routes.
Check your PC and available storage
Compare your PC with the requirements in the current Steam listing and confirm you have the listed 110 GB of available space. The Xbox product page identifies Windows 10/11 as supported platforms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Can I download Forza Horizon 5 free for Windows 11?
The Xbox page currently lists the game as included with Game Pass for PC. Check your country’s listing and plan terms; this is subscription access, not a verified permanent free license.
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Is Forza Horizon 5 available on Windows 11?
Xbox lists Windows 10/11 among the supported platforms, and Steam provides a Windows PC listing. Check the current requirements and official storefront pages before installing.
Does Game Pass give me the Steam version?
Do not assume so. Xbox/Game Pass and Steam are separate PC access routes; use the Xbox app for the Xbox route or Steam for the Steam product.
How much storage does Forza Horizon 5 need on PC?
The Steam listing specifies 110 GB of available space. Check the current listing in case its requirements change.
Do I need a Microsoft or Xbox account to play the Steam version?
Yes. Steam says a Microsoft/Xbox account is required for Forza Horizon 5.
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The Bottom Line
Forza Horizon 5 is listed for Windows 10/11. The Xbox page currently includes it with Game Pass for PC, while Steam offers a separate Windows PC listing. Check regional terms, price, and availability on the official pages, then install through the storefront for the route you choose.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
